[0001] This invention relates in general to N-(alpha-haloacyl)-N-hydrocarbylcarbamoyl halides
and to a process for their preparation. In one aspect, this invention relates to carbamoyl
halides which are useful as intermediates in the preparation of pesticides.
[0002] Prior to the present invention few literature references'were available which disclosed
carbamoyl halides. For example, GB-A-1,226,450 which was published March 31, 1971
disclosed certain N-substituted N-acylcarbamic acid halides of the formula:

wherein R' represents alkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl aralkenyl. cycloalkyl, heterocyclic
or aryl radicals. R
2 represents alkyl or alkynyl radicals and X represents halogen. The reference further
indicates that R
1 and R
2 may be optionally substituted with certain other groups. However. compounds wherein
R
1 is an alpha-haloalkyl were not disclosed. published May 26, 1971 discloses compounds
of the formula:

wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or alkyl. and R
4 represents an optionally substituted alkanoyl group particularly, acetyl, chloroacetyl,
dichloroacetyl and trichloroacetyl.
[0003] In its broad aspect the invention relates to N-(alpha-haloacyl)-N-hydrocarbylcarbamoyl
halides, processes for their preparation and use of the compounds as intermediates
for the preparation of pesticides. The carbamoyl halides can be represented by the
following formula I:

wherein R, R
1. X and Y are as hereinafter described.
[0004] As indicated above, the carbamoyl halides of this invention are conveniently represented
by the formula:

wherein:
R represents alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl. cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aralkyl, of up to
18 carbon atoms, and wherein such groups may be optionally substituted with halogen,
cyano, nitro or alkoxy, alkylthio, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or cycloalkyl groups of
up to 12 carbon atoms:
R represents hydrogen, halo, or alkyl. R1 preferably contains up to 18 carbon atoms and can optionally be substituted with
halogen, cyano, nitro or alkoxyl, alkylthio, alkenyl, alkynyl or cycloalkyl groups
of up to 12 carbon atoms. X represents Cl or F and Y represents Cl. F or Br.
[0005] Illustrative carbamoyl halides which are encompassed by the aforementioned formula
are illustrated by, but not limited to, the following: N-Chloroacetyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl
chloride. N-(n-Butyl)-N-chloroacetylcarbamoyl chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-(n-pentyl)carbamoyl
chloride. N-Chloroacetyl-N-(n-hexyl)carbamoyl chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-isopropylcarbamoyl
chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-isobutylcarbamoyl chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-isoamylcarbamoyl
chloride. N-Chloroacetyl-N-(2-propen-1-yl)carbamoyl chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-(2-propyn-1-yl)carbamoyl
chloride. N-Chloroacetyl-N-(2-cyanoethyl)carbamoyl chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-(2-chloroethyl)carbamoyl
chloride. N-Chloroacetyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)carbamoyl chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-(2-methylthioethyl)carbamoyl
chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-cyanomethyl carbamoyl chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-cyclopropyl
carbamoyl chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-cyclohexylcarbamoyl chloride, N-Chloroacetyl-N-propyl
carbamoyl fluoride, N-bromoacetyl-N-butyl carbamoyl fluoride, N-(2-Chlorobutyryl)-N-methylcarbamoyl
fluoride, N-(2-Chlorohexanoyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl chloride, and N-(2-fluoropropionyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl
chloride.
[0006] The carbamoyl halides of this invention are conveniently prepared by the reaction
of alpha-haloacyl chlorides with suitable isocyanates according to the scheme set
forth below:

wherein R, R and Y are as previously indicated.
[0007] Freshly activated zinc chloride supported on silica gel is the preferred catalyst
for this reaction. Freshly activated zinc chloride in combination with other supports
such as clay, sand, anhydrous magnesium sulfate are also effective catalysts. However,
various other Lewis acid catalysts such as SnCl4, SnCl2, CuCl. CuBr, HgCl
2, ZnBr
2, SbCl
5, and TiCl may also be used in a suitably activated form or in combination with inert
supporting materials or heterogeneous reaction catalyzing materials such as crown
ethers and quaternary ammonium salts.
[0008] Suitable reaction temperatures fall in the range from -30 to +150°C, however, temperatures
from 0 to 75°C are preferred. The reaction can be carried out in absence of a solvent,
however inert solvents such as hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ethers, nitriles,
sulfones and ketones may be used. The reaction can be carried out under atmospheric
pressure but lower or higher pressures may also be used.
[0009] Using reagent grade anhydrous zinc chloride catalyst, as used to prepare the prior
art (GB-A-
1226450) compounds, chloroacetyl chloride and methyl isocyanate do not afford the desired
product, whereas y
-chlorobutyryl chloride smoothly reacts with methyl isocyanate to yield the corresponding
N-(y-chlorobutyryl)-N-methylcarbamoyl chloride.
[0010] The carbamoyl fluorides of this invention are conveniently prepared from the corresponding
carbamoyl chlorides (I) by an exchange reaction. For example, N-chloroacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl
fluoride is prepared from N-chloroacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl chloride by reacting the
chloride with anhydrous potassium fluoride as indicated in Example 6. Other metal
fluorides, such as the alkali and alkaline earth fluorides can also be used to effect
the exchange. For example sodium fluoride or cesium fluoride can equally as well be
employed.
[0011] As hereinbefore indicated the compounds of this invention are useful as intermediates
in the preparation of pesticides and other related compounds. It has been observed
that the N-(alpha-haloacyl)-N-hydrocarbylcarbamoyl halides of the present invention
differ markedly in the reactivity from the prior art compounds disclosed in the aforementioned
GB-A
- 1,226,450. This is believed to be due in part to the unique alpha-position of the
halogen atom as opposed to the beta-or gamma halo position of the known compounds.
In addition to the highly reactive carbamoyl halide function, the halogen of the alpha-haloacyl
function is thus sufficiently reactive so that it can be subsequently substituted
by various nucleophiles. For example, the compounds of this invention react with phenols
and oximes to yield the corresponding N-(alpha-haloacyl)-N-hydrocarbyl carbamates.
These carbamates can be further reacted with various nucleophiles to yield pesticidally
or otherwise biologically active derivatives.
[0012] For example, the reaction of a carbamoyl halide of this invention affords the corresponding
N-haloacylcarbamate in high yield:

[0013] Further reaction of the carbamate with trimethyl amine gives the corresponding amine
salt which has excellent pesticidal properties:

[0014] Similarly, the carbamoyl halide can be reacted with an oxime in accordance with the
following equation:

[0015] In contrast, it was noted that a similar reaction of the prior art (
GB-A- 1,226,450) compounds (XIII) with (X).lead to less active or inactive materials
(XIVa) and (XIVb) as set forth in Table I.

[0016] The following examples illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for the practice
of this invention.
Example 1
Preparation of Representative Catalysts Suitable for the Preparation of N-(alpha-haloacyl)-N-hydrocarbyl-
carbamoyl halides
[0017] Catalyst A: 10g of reagent grade anhydrous zinc chloride and 10g. of silica gel were
ground together to give an intimate mixture. This mixture was heated in an open beaker
in a furnace at about 350°C for about 1 hour to activate and spread the zinc chloride
uniformly over the surface of the silica gel particles. The material was then cooled
in a desiccator and directly used for the reaction. Zinc chloride and silica gel may
be used in various other proportions, however, a minimum proportion of silica gel
which can prevent the formation of lumps of the catalyst is preferred.
[0018] Catalyst B: 10g. of silica gel was treated with a solution of lOg of anhydrous zinc
chloride in 25 c.c. distilled water. Water was stripped off under reduced pressure
at about 80°C. The resultant powder was then heated in an open beaker in a furnace
at 350°C for about 1 hour, cooled in a desiccator and directly used for the reaction.
[0019] Catalyst C: Reagent grade anhydrous zinc chloride was fused in an open beaker on
flame or in a furnace at about 350°C. The fused liquid was spread out over a smooth
surface like a watch glass or a tin lid and cooled in a desiccator over fused calcium
chloride. After cooling, the zinc chloride was scraped off and the flakes were ground
to a fine powder under dry nitrogen.
[0020] Catalyst D: Reagent grade anhydrous zinc chloride was fused and cooled as in the
case of catalyst C. Silica gel was also activated at 350°C and cooled similarly. Equal
quantities of the activated zinc chloride and silica gel were ground together to fine
powder. The ratios of zinc chloride and silica gel may be varied from 0.1 percent
to.80 percent of zinc chloride mixed with silica gel.
Example 2
Preparation of N-Chloroacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl chloride
[0021] A mixture of 20.0g. of Catalyst A and 56.5g. (0.50m) of chloroacetyl chloride was
stirred under dry nitrogen. Cooling the reaction flask in an ice bath. 31.5g (0.55m)
of methyl isocyanate was added. Stirring was continued and the bath temperature was
raised slowly to 50°C under reflux. The reaction was continued at 50-55°C for about
16 hours and then cooled to room temperature. The unreacted chloroacetyl chloride
and methyl isocyanate were stripped off at room temperature under 0.25mm pressure.,
The residual solid was extracted with dichloromethane and then the solvent was stripped
off under reduced pressure to afford 60.0g (yield 70.5%) of
N-Chloroacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl chloride. M.p. 67-69°C.
[0022] NMR (CDCl
3) δ 4.65 (s,2H) and 3.50 (s,3H). 1.R. (CHCl
3) ν1765 and 1740 cm
-1 Calcd for C
4H
5Cl
2NO
2:
C. 28.26: H, 2.96: N. 8.24. Found: C. 28.40: H, 2.97; N, 8.12
[0023] The above reaction when carried out in a closed reactor under autogeneous pressure
at 0°C to 30
°C and worked up similarly, gave the product in 80.5% yield.
[0024] Use of 11.0g. of the Catalyst C or 22.0g. of the Catalyst D in the above reaction
and purification of the product by sublimation or distillation under reduced pressure
resulted in each case in about 53 percent yield of the product.
Example 3
Preparation of N-Chloroacetyl-N-propylcarbamoyl chloride
[0025] n-Propyl isocyanate was reacted with chloracetyl chloride in presence of Catalyst
A, similar to Example 2, to afford N-chloroacetyl-N-(n-propyl)-carbamoyl chloride
in 78% yield. M.p. 40-44°C. NMR(CDC1 ) δ 4.65(s,2H), 3.90(t, 2H), 1.70 (m,2H) & 0.90(t,3H)
1R(CDCl
3) u1755 & 17
35 cm
-1
Example 4
Preparation of N-( α-Chloropropionyl)-N-methyl- carbamoyl chloride
[0026] A mixture of 2.0g. of the Catalyst C and 28.2g. (0.25m) of a-Chloropropionyl chloride
was stirred under nitrogen at 0°C and 14.5
g. (0.25m) of methylisocyanate was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature
for 16 hours and then refluxed for about 12 hours, Cooled to room temperature and
the liquid was decanted from the solid catalyst. Unreacted methyl isocyanate and α-chloropropionyl
chloride were stripped off under reduced pressure. The residual product was purified
by distillation at 69-76°C under about 0.4-0.5mm pressure to afford 8.5g. (23%) of
the title compound (a low melting solid). NMR(CC1
4) δ 5.25(q, 1H), 3.40(s,3H) and 1.65(d,3H). 1R (Neat) vl770 and
1735 cm
-1
Example 5
[0027] Preparation of N-Bromoacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl chloride
[0028] A mixture of 5.0g. of the Catalyst C and 30.0g (0.19m) of bromoacetyl chloride was
stirred at 0°C under nitrogen and 13.0g (0.23m) of methyl isocyanate was added dropwise.
Stirring was continued and the temperature was slowly raised to 50°C under reflux
during 5 hours. The reaction was almost complete and the mixture was solidified. The
product was purified by distillation under reduced pressure to afford 23.0g (yield
56.0%) of N-bromoacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl chloride. B.p. 90-95°C/3-5mm. NMR (CC14)
δ 4.50 (s,2H) and 3.50 (s,3H). 1R(CHCl
3) ν 1750 and 1730 cm
-1.
Example 6
Preparation of N-Chloroacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl fluoride
[0029] A mixture of 10.Og of N-Chloroacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl chloride, 3.8g of anhydrous
potassium fluoride and 0.5g of 18-crown-6 in 50cc of dichloromethane was stirred at
room temperature under nitrogen for about 16 hours. The liquid was decanted and the
residue was extracted with 50cc dichlormethane. The dichloromethane layers were combined
and the solvent stripped off to afford 9.0g. (yield 100%) of N-chloroacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl
fluoride. The product was further purified by distillation under reduced pressure.
B.p. 59°C/0.2mm.
NMR(CDC1 ) δ 4.70(s,2H) and 3.30(d,3H, J 2Hz) 1R (CHCl3) ν1820 and 1735 cm-1.
[0030] A comparision of an oxime derivative of the compounds of this invention was evaluated
to determine its pesticidal activity against certain mites and insects including the
Bean Aphid, Southern Army Worm. Mexican Bean Beetle and house fly. The oxime derivative
was also compared with typical derivative of this oxime as disclosed in
GB-A- 1,226,450.
[0031] Suspensions of the test compounds were prepared by dissolving one gram of compound
in 50 milliliters of acetone in which had been dissolved 0.1 gram (10 percent of the
weight of compound) of an alkylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol surfactant, as an emulsifying
or dispersing agent. The resulting solution was mixed into 150 milliliters of water
to give roughly 200 milliliters of a suspension containing the compound in finely
divided form. The thus-prepared stock suspension contained 0.5 percent by weight of
compound.
[0032] Certain of the test compounds were also prepared by dissolving 375 mg of compound
in 7.5 ml of dimethylformamide. Fifteen ml of acetone containing 37.5 mg (10 percent
of the weight of test compound) of an alkylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol surfactant, as
a wetting/emulsifying/dispersing agent was added to the dimethylformamide solution.
Fifty-two and a half ml of water was mixed into the dimethylformamide-acetone mixture
to give roughly 75 ml of a suspension containing the compound in solution or in finely
divided form. The thus prepared stock suspension contained 0.5 percent by weight of
compound. The test concentrations in parts per million by weight employed in the tests
described hereinbelow were obtained by appropriate dilutions of the stock suspension
with water. The test procedures were as follows:
Bean Aphid Foliage Spray Test
[0033] Adults and nymphal stages of the bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) reared on potted
dwarf nasturtrium plants at 68°-70°F. and 50 ± 5 percent relative humidity, constituted
the test insects. For testing purposes, the number of aphids per pot was standardized
to 100-150 by trimming plants containing excess aphids.
[0034] The test compounds were formulated by diluting the stock suspension with water to
give a suspension containing 500 parts of test compound per million parts of final
formulation.
[0035] The potted plants (one pot per compound tested) infested with 100-150 aphids were
placed on a revolving turntable and sprayed with 100-110 milliliters of test compound
formulation by use of a DeVilbiss spray gun set at 40 psig air pressure. This application,
which lasted 25 seconds, was sufficient to wet the plants to run-off. As a control,
100-110 milliliters of a water-acetone-emulsifier solution containing no test compound
were also sprayed on infested plants. After spraying, the pots were placed on their
sides on a sheet of white standard mimeograph paper which had been previously ruled
to facilitate counting. Temperature and humidity in the test room during the 24 hour
holding period were 68°-70°F. and 50 ; 5 percent, respectively. Aphids which fell
onto the paper and were unable to remain standing after being uprighted were considered
dead. Aphids remaining on the plants were observed closely for movement and those
which were unable to move the length of the body upon stimulation by prodding were
considered dead. Percent mortality was recorded for various concentration levels.
Southern Army-worm Leaf Spray Bait Test
[0036] Larvae of the southern armyworm (Spodeptere eridania, (Cram.)), reared on Tendergreen
bean plants at a temperature of 80°+5° F. and a relative humidity of 50±5 percent,
constituted the test insects.
[0037] The test compounds were formulated by diluting the stock suspension with water to
give a suspension containing 500 parts of test compound per million parts of final
formulation. Potted Tendergreen bean plants of standard height and age were placed
on a revolving turntable and sprayed with 100-110 milliliters of test compound formulation
by use of a DeVilbiss spray gun set at 40 psig air pressure. This application, which
lasted 25 seconds, was sufficient to wet plants to run-off. As a control, 100-110
milliliters of a water-acetone-emulsifier solution containing no test compound were
also sprayed on infested plants. When dry, the paired leaves were separated and each
one was placed in a 9 centimeter Petri dish lined with moistened filter paper. Five
randomly selected larvae were introduced into each dish and the dishes were closed.
The closed dishes were labeled and held at 80°-85° F. for five days. Although the
larvae could easily consume the whole leaf within twenty-four hours, no more food
was added. Larvae which were unable to move the length of the body, even upon stimulation
by prodding, were considered dead. Percent mortality was recorded for various concentration
levels.
Mexican Bean Beetle Leaf Spray Test
[0038] Fourth instar larvae of the Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis, Muls.), reared
on Tendergreen bean plants at a temperature of 80°±5° F. and 50+5 percent relative
humidity, were the test insects.
[0039] For certain of the tests second instar larvae (weighing about 6 mg) of the Mexican
bean beetle (Epilachna varvestis. Muls). reared on Seiva Pole lima bean plants at
a temperature of 80° ± 5°F and 5 ± 5 percent relative humidity, were the test insects.
[0040] The test compounds were formulated by diluting the stock suspension with water to
give a suspension containing 500 parts of test compound per million parts of final
formulation. Potted Tendergreen bean plants of standard height and age were placed
on a revolving turntable and sprayed with 100-110 milliliters of test compound formulation
by use of a DeVilbiss spray gun set at 40 psig air pressure. This application, which
lasted 25 seconds, was sufficient to wet plants to run-off. As a control, 100-110
milliliters of a water-acetone-emulsifier solution containing no test compound were
also sprayed on infested plants. When dry, the paired leaves were separated and each
was placed in a 9 centimeter Petri dish lined with moistened filter paper. Five randomly
selected larvae were introduced into each dish, and the dishes were closed. The closed
dishes were labeled and held at a temperature of 80°±5° F., for five days. Although
the larvae could easily consume the leaf within 24 to 48 hours, no more food was added.
Larvae which were unable to move the length of the body, even upon stimulation, were
considered dead.
Fly Bait Test
[0041] Four to six day old adult house flies (Musca domestica, L.), reared according to
the specifications of the Chemical Specialties Manufacturing Association (Blue Book,
McNair-Dorland Co:, N.Y. 1954: pages 243-244, 261) under controlled conditions of
80° ± 5°F. and 50 ± 5 percent relative humidity, were the test insects. The flies
were immobilized by anesthetizing with carbon dioxide and twenty-five immobilized
individuals, males and females, were transferred to a cage consisting of a standard
food strainer about five inches in diameter which was inverted over a wrapping-paper-covered
surface. The test compounds were formulated by diluting the stock suspension with
a 10 percent (by weight) sugar solution to give a suspension containing 500 parts
of test compound per million parts of final formulation, by weight. Ten milliliters
of the test formulation were added to a souffle cup containing a one-inch square of
an absorbent cotton pad. This bait cup was introduced and centered on the blotting
paper under the food strainer prior to admitting the anesthetized flies. The caged
flies were allowed to feed on the bait for twenty-four hours, at a temperature of
80° ± 5°F. and a relative humidity of 50 ± 5 percent. Flies which showed no sign of
movement on prodding were considered dead.
[0042] The biological comparison of the compounds are set forth in Table I below where the
insecticidal superiority of materials produced from compositions of this invention
relative to previously disclosed materials is clearly demonstrated.
[0043]

1. A carbamoyl halide compound of the general formula:

wherein:
R represents alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aralkyl, of up to
18 carbon atoms, and wherein such groups may be optionally substituted with halogen,
cyano, nitro, or alkoxy, alkylthio, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or cycloalkyl groups of
up to 12 carbon atoms; R1 represents hydrogen, halo, or alkyl, of up to 12 carbon atoms; and X represents Cl
or F and Y represent Cl, F or Br.
2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein X and Y both represent chloro groups.
3. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein X represents a chloro and Y represents
a bromo group.
4. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein X represents a fluoro and Y represents
a chloro group.
5. A compound as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein R1 represents hydrogen.
6. A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein R and R both represent
alkyl.
7. N-chloroacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl chloride.
8. N-chloroacetyl-N-propylcarbamoyl chloride.
9. N-(alpha-chloro-propionyl)-N-methylcarbomyl chloride.
10. N-bromoacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl chloride.
11. N-chloroacetyl-N-methylcarbamoyl fluoride.
12. A process for the preparation of a carbamoyl halide as claimed in claim 1 wherein
X is Cl which comprise reaction of an isocyanate of the formula:

wherein R is as defined in Claim 1 with an alpha-haloacyl halide of the formula:

wherein R
1 and Y are as defined in claim 1
13. A process for the preparation of a carbamoyl halide as claimed in claim 1 wherein
X is F which comprises reacting a carbamoyl halide of the formula:

wherein R, R
1 and Y are as defined in claim 1 with a metal fluoride.
14. A process as claimed in claim 12 wherein the reaction is conducted in the presence
of a catalyst which is activated zinc chloride.
15. A process as claimed in claim 14 wherein the catalyst is contained on a silica
gel support.
16. A process as claimed in any one of claims 12, 14 or 15 wherein the reaction is
conducted at a temperature of from -30 to 150°C.
17. A pesticidal carbamate or oxime derivative of a carbamoyl halide compound as claimed
in claim 1 when formed from such compound.